The Basics Of Heel Pain

By Serena Price

Heel pain is synonymous with planter fascitis. This pain characteristically starts in the morning when one wakes up and abates as the day progresses. It is known to cause a significant impairment of functionality. There are several options for heel pain treatment San Francisco residents may explore if they have been diagnosed with the condition. The main objective of these treatment modalities is to relieve the pain and to help restore normal function.

The prevalence of planter fascitis has been shown to be very high among professional athletes. In the course of their activities, the athletes tend to strain the planter fascia. The planter fascia is a sheet of thin muscle that stretches between the heel and the toe. Its function is to provide stability to the foot. When stretched excessively, it undergoes inflammatory changes and this is what causes the extreme pain that is experienced. The wearing of improper shoes is another predisposing factor.

The early stages of the condition are treated mainly by conservative therapies. As the symptoms set in, adequate rest is very helpful. Ensure that you desist from engaging in activities that are likely to aggravate your condition. This allows the planter fascia to heal in the areas that have been affected by inflammatory changes. Concrete surfaces are known to be especially harmful and should be avoided.

Early intervention has been associated with better outcomes than the seeking of treatment when the condition is advanced. In as much as 90% of affected persons, conservative treatments have been shown to be effective. It is common for the different existing modalities to be used in combination so as to improve on the outcomes. Of course such a decision will depend on the severity of the condition.

The most commonly used drugs belong to the NSAID group. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac and ibuprofen are all examples of drugs that belong to this group. You need to remember that these drugs will only provide short term relief and the symptoms will recur after a short period of time. Remember that they may lead to some serious side effects such as renal failure and peptic ulcer disease.

If you are using shoes that are smaller than your size and are causing discomfort then this is another area that you may need to consider. Ensure that you go for shoes that are good at shock absorption and support your arches well. In some cases, there may be a need to add orthotics to cushion the pressure points. The specialized shoes should be chosen for both feet.

When done on a regular basis, physical exercise is very helpful. Some of the routines that can be practised include calf and toe stretches and towel stretching. The best time for such routines is early in the morning. The exercises help in increasing ligament flexibility and improve arch support.

If they fail to get relief from conservative heel pain treatment San Francisco patients may consider the available surgical options. It is important to make it clear that there is variability in response rates among different persons. Some people show some good progress in a few weeks while others take a little longer.